Contrary to popular belief, Andhra meals at Mayuri Family Restaurant are not as spicy as one would expect

It is very hard to miss Mayuri Family Restaurant, on new BEL Road, considering the big, ostentatious, neon board that is hung on the side of the building.

The air-conditioned restaurant smells faintly of agarbathis, and has neatly arranged four-seaters. Large painted mirrors dominate the décor of the restaurant, heavy curtains keep the afternoon heat away, and the muted lights give the place a romantic air.

Exhaustive

Once seated, the manager, Krishnan, comes over with the menu and many recommendations. The menu itself is exhaustive and an odd mixture of Andhra, Punjabi and Chinese food.

It comes with a drinks menu.

I opted for one of the most popular dishes here — the full Andhra meal, which arrived very quickly. It had all the usual suspects — okra veppudu, pappu, roti, rice, sambar and rasam.

But contradictory to popular beliefs, the meal was not as spicy as you would expect it be, considering that Andhra food is known for its spice. The absence of podi and gongura with the meal was a little disappointing.

Saturday special

The Saturday special Andhra pepper chicken, on the other hand, was stereotypically spicy, but the cup of curd helped put out the fire in my mouth.

“I find the meal very fulfilling,” says Ravi, a frequent customer. “They serve just the right amount and it's always tasty.”

The daily specials such as chicken sixer on Monday, and chicken rampuri on Tuesday, draws in good crowds everyday, especially in the afternoons.

“We are very popular in this area,” claims Krishnan.

For those seeking Andhra-style food in Jalahalli and MSR Nagar areas, Mayuri Family Restaurant is just the place. It is located at 106, Cauvery Complex, New BEL Road, Bangalore- 560094.